PR 79 - FINA President highlights record of participation

Istanbul (TUR), December 11, 2012 – At the Opening Press Conference of the 11th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m), to be organised in Istanbul (TUR) from December 12-16, 2012 the FINA President Dr. Julio Maglione expressed his satisfaction for the level of participation at this event.

“I am pleased to announce that we will have the biggest participation ever in this event, both in terms of countries (162) and athletes (958), which shows that FINA, Swimming and Aquatic Sports achieve a very significant role in the world of sport”, considered Dr. Maglione.

“We have no doubts that in this outstanding venue - Sinan Erdem - the swimmers, National Federations, spectators, all the TV viewers around the world (the signal will go to over 190 territories) will enjoy great performances and unforgettable moments”, added the FINA President.

Before this media opportunity, Dr. Maglione accompanied the Turkish Minister of Youth and Sport, Mr. Suat Kilic, in a venue tour, comprising the pool deck, media and athletes areas. In the Press Conference, this governmental responsible underlined the importance of these World Championships. “It constitutes a milestone for the Turkish sport and the Turkish youth. We are very proud and enthusiastic about this organisation and the impact it will bring to our country. Moreover, the championships will be held in an iconic venue in Istanbul, one of the largest arenas in Europe”, stated Mr. Kilic.

The 11th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) will feature 40 events over five days of competition and will be attended by many stars – no less than 16 individual Olympic medallists from the 2012 Games in London will swim at the Sinan Erdem arena, including nine Olympic champions.

The heats of the competition will start at 10:00 (local time), while the finals and semi-finals will be held at 19:00 (local time).